Play

Philemon

Ryan Provines
07/09/23 - Podcast

And now, a minute with the Word…

Philemon chapter 1 is a brief letter from the apostle Paul to Philemon. It consists of only one chapter that was written by Paul while he was in jail.  Paul began this letter by greeting Philemon, a wealthy householder who held church services in his own house. Paul also greeted Apphia and Archippus, both of whom may have been members of the household with Philemon. Paul also went on to greet the members of the church who met in Philemon’s home. Paul told Philemon that he mentioned him often in prayer and that he was happy in the steadfastness of Philemon’s faith. He also said that Philemon’s love had been encouraging to Paul and others.   Paul, who was in prison when he wrote this letter, was writing Philemon Chapter 1 about a man named Onesimus, who was Philemon’s slave. Even though Onesimus was a slave, Paul considered him a son. And though Paul admitted that at one time Onesimus was useless to Philemon, he was now quite useful to both Philemon and Paul. This was actually a pun on Onesimus’ name because his name actually means “useful.”  Paul said he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, even though he, Paul, could still use him as a helper. Paul urged Philemon to take Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a fellow Christian. Philemon should receive this slave as he would have received Paul if he came to his home. Paul even offered to pay off any debts that Onesimus owed to Philemon.

Paul then mentioned that he was certain that Philemon would obey him in this. He even went further and asked Philemon to prepare a room for Paul in his home. Paul was sure that he would be released from prison soon enough. Before signing off, Paul went on to greet more of his fellow “prisoners and laborers” in Christ.